And he’s backing 22-year-old Barton to live up to his full potential after a debut season which saw him struggle to hold down a regular starting spot.

“Adam’s an integral part of the future of this club,” said Pressley, whose threadbare squad complete their pre-season programme this weekend, starting at Mansfield Town tonight (7.30pm) and ending at Oxford United tomorrow (3pm).

“He’s very easy on the eye and nobody has ever doubted his football ability.There are certain aspects of his game we have to improve, but he understands that.

“At the tail-end of last season we worked on his defensive organisation and I’ve seen an improvement in that.

“He’s really looked after himself in the summer and if we can bring it all together we have a wonderful player on our hands.”